Given the diverse scoring systems and sizes of fantasy leagues, producing a weekly list of free agents that satisfies the masses can be challenging. For the most part, the column will hone in on players who are available in at least 35% of all fantasy leagues. If you play in a small league (8 teams), chances are there may be better players to pick up than you see listed here. If you play in a large league (16 teams), the majority of the players highlighted may already be on a squad; however, expect to find hidden gems, as well.
Quarterbacks
Ryan Tannehill, Dolphins Tannehill ripped the Vikings for 396 yards and four scores on Sunday. It was his second straight 300-yard game. With tight end Charles Clay healthy to go along with receivers Mike Wallace and Jarvis Landry, Tannehill finally has a full complement of weapons. The Jets defense has played well overall this season but New York has allowed 30 passing touchdowns through 15 games. Tannehill should close out the season on a high note. Owned in ~ 74% of leagues. FAAB: $$-$$$ Forecast: Tannehill will account for 250+ total yards and three scores.
Devonta Freeman, Falcons Steven Jackson hurt his quad against New Orleans and his status for Sunday’s game is up in the air. He was replaced by a combination of Jacquizz Rodgers and Devonta Freeman. Even though Rodgers received 11 carries to Freeman’s five, the rookie was the more impressive of the two backs. Freeman averaged 7.2 yards per carry and scored a touchdown. He also caught three passes for 48 yards. Freeman has shown big-play ability in limited opportunities this season but for some reason the Falcons coaching staff has been reluctant to give him more touches. If Jackson can’t go or is limited against Carolina, Freeman is the best fantasy option in the Falcons backfield. Owned in ~ 20% of leagues. FAAB: $$-$$$ Forecast: Freeman is a Flex option this week.
Matt Asiata, Vikings The Vikings decided once Jerick McKinnon was lost for the season to ride Asiata for the rest of the year. In the last four games, Asiata has the carried the ball 16, 11, 19 and 14 times. Asiata doesn’t rack up a ton of yards. However, he’s always good for a few receptions and if Asiata scores, he has a solid fantasy outing. We know the volume is going to be there and last week in PPR formats Asiata put up more points than Jamaal Charles and DeMarco Murray did combined. Start him if you got him. Owned in ~ 62% of leagues. FAAB: $$$-$$$$ Forecast: Asiata is a RB2/Flex versus the Bears.
Wide Receivers
Eddie Royal, Chargers With Keenan Allen injured, Royal saw more passes come his way from Philip Rivers. Royal caught 10 passes for 94 yards and a touchdown on 12 targets against the 49ers. The Chargers have a crucial game Sunday against the Chiefs, so expect Rivers to key in on his most trusted receivers. That means Royal and tight end Antonio Gates should see plenty of action even if Allen returns. Don’t be afraid to roll the dice on Royal this week. Owned in ~ 28% of leagues. FAAB: $$ Forecast: Royal is a WR3 if Allen doesn’t play and a WR4 if he does.
Albert Wilson, Chiefs Wilson has emerged as a productive receiver for the Chiefs over the last three games. During that span, he’s caught 12 passes for 209 yards on 20 targets. Wilson has yet to score because remarkably no Chiefs receiver has found the end zone yet this season. However, Wilson is building a nice chemistry with Alex Smith and he should continue his nice finish to the 2014 season against San Diego. Here’s a prediction: Wilson scores on Sunday. No team in this day and age can go 16 games without having a receiver score a touchdown, can it? Owned in ~ 1% of leagues. FAAB: $-$$ Forecast: Wilson is a WR4/Flex in PPR leagues.
Cole Beasley, Cowboys Beasley has scored three touchdowns in his last three games. He could be a nice play this week against a Washington defense that has allowed an NFL-high 33 passing touchdowns this season. The Cowboys need Seattle to lose to the Rams at home to get a first round bye, so even though it doesn’t look promising, Dallas still has something to play for on Sunday. It’s unlikely the Cowboys will rest their starters but if they do, Beasley will get a big fantasy bump. If they don’t, he’s still worth a flier in PPR leagues. Owned in ~ 6% of leagues. FAAB: $ Forecast: Beasley is on the Flex radar in PPR leagues.
Tight Ends
Zach Ertz, Eagles Ertz was expected by many to have a breakout season. Instead, he was a fantasy disappointment. Heading into Week 16, Ertz had only caught 39 passes. Then Ertz exploded against Washington, catching 15 passes for 115 yards on a ridiculous 18 targets. Obviously, the Redskins coverage dictated Ertz getting 18 targets but he has a chance to have another good game this week against the Giants. Ertz caught three balls for 47 yards and a touchdown the first time these two teams met. The Giants also rank in the lower half of the NFL at allowing fantasy points to opposing tight ends. Ertz is worth a shot this week if you need a tight end. Owned in ~ 50% of leagues. FAAB: $$ Forecast: Ertz is a low-end TE1 this week.
Kickers
Matt Bryant, Falcons The Falcons and Panthers are playing for the NFC South title this Sunday. Games that have so much on the line can tend to turn conservative once teams get into scoring position. For the Flacons, that means once they cross the 40-yard line. Bryant has been excellent from long-rang this season. He leads the NFL with seven made field goals from 50+ yards. Bryant has put up seven good fantasy outings in a row. The Panthers rank in the bottom third at allowing fantasy points to opposing kickers. Make it eight good games in a row for Bryant. Owned in ~ 68% of leagues. FAAB: $ Forecast: Bryant is a Top 10 fantasy kicker for Week 17.
Defense/Special Teams
Minnesota Vikings The Vikings defense got lit up by Tannehill and Miami last week but overall Minnesota has been a pleasant surprise as a fantasy defense in 2014. The Vikings have recorded double-digit scoring weeks seven times this year. Minnesota has also done a good job of beating up on the bad offenses. The Bears have Jay Cutler under center again one week after he was benched and issues on their offensive line. Cutler did throw for 330 yards and three touchdowns the first time these two teams met back in Week 11 but a lot has happened in Chicago since then. Look for Minnesota’s defense to finish out the year with a strong performance. Owned in ~ 45% of leagues. FAAB: $-$$ Forecast: The Vikings defense will record at least three sacks and two turnovers.
